It was 200 years ago that Canada and the British Empire were at war with the Americans.

The War of 1812 is to be commemorated during Doors Open Ontario 2012, the popular annual heritage touring program.

“Defending a Nation" is the theme that will unlock the doors to a “diverse range of defence-related sites” including battlefields, military fortifications, armouries, armament-manufacturing facilities, legion halls, commemorative monuments and peace gardens.

Communities are being encouraged to “unveil their stories behind the war and the defence of our fledgling nation,” said Thomas H.B. Symons, who chairs the sponsoring Ontario Heritage Trust.

Several events, including those in Brant and Middlesex, will offer War of 1812 battle re-enactments to mark the bicentennial, while Niagara has many prime war locations open to tour.

Taking a peek

For the past 11 years, people have been able to take a peek behind what are often doors closed to the public.

Once again this year, the Doors Open season kicks off in Guelph on April 28, with 57 events across the province through October.

Check out the many limestone buildings including the impressive Church of Our Lady Immaculate, the most visible and recognizable symbol of Guelph's architectural heritage.

At Doors Open on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can tour the elegant structure that has many elements of traditional European cathedrals and fine exterior stone carvings.

There are 10 featured locations including the new civic museum, Underground Railroad Church and several University of Guelph sites including the Ontario Veterinary College, said Sonya Poweska of the Guelph Arts Council.

As well, there are Trails Open guided hikes at Smith Tract Sidefalls led by the Guelph Hiking Club.

This is where the electrified Toronto Suburban Railway once ran and touches the edges of the Eramosa River.

There will be stops at a dramatic lookout over the glacial Guelph Spillway, all through cedar forest and pine plantations. www.guelpharts.ca/doorsopenguelph; (519) 836-3280

Upcoming

Doors Open events next month are in Whitby, May 5; Hamilton, May 5,6; Richmond Hill, May 12; Brockville-Thousand Islands, Kincardine and Toronto, May 26, 27.

June gets busy with Stratford and Whitchurch-Stouffville, June 2; Huronia, Ottawa and Owen Sound, June 2,3; Smiths Falls, June 3; Clarington, June 9; Burlington, June 9,10; Niagara (Ontario and New York State), June 15,17; Georgian Bay, June 16; Fergus-Elora and Kingston, June 23; and Muskoka, June 23,24.

London’s event is Sept. 29 and 30 along with Chatham-Kent, Lambton County, Middlesex, St. Thomas and Windsor, while East Elgin and Oxford are on Sept. 22.